Students at the four research institutions will see semester increases of $221 at Georgia Regents University; $223 at Georgia State; $387 at UGA and $405 at Georgia Tech.

According to the AJC, USG officials reported that the increases are necessary at these colleges, namely research institutions, so that they can stay competitive with similar schools across the country, and because the demand is high for those institutions.

“I understand how hard it is to pay your tuition every semester. When I went to school I paid my way through and I remember those tough days,” said University System Chancellor Hank Huckaby. “We hope to be able to level off (tuition costs) very significantly over the next few years. At the same time we’re working hard to bring attention and resources to needs-based financial aid because those students are really stressed.”